Justin Fields is QB1: Bears coach Matt Nagy explains why he named Fields the Bears starter

Bears coach Matt Nagy finally made up his mind about who will be the team’s QB1: Justin Fields.

After weeks of uncertainty about who would remain the long-term starter for the Bears, Nagy appeared persistent that Andy Dalton would stay the starter if he was healthy coming back from his knee injury that occurred in Week 2.

Well, Dalton is healthy as he showed up to practice Wednesday for full participation. In a turn of events, Nagy went back on his word about keeping Dalton the starter, which he only announced Monday.

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In regard to naming Fields the starter, Nagy spoke with the media Wednesday to explain his decision.

“I’ve always said from the beginning … is that we’ll know,” Nagy said, via The Athletic. “He’s done everything to show us that he’s ready for this opportunity.”

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Nagy admitted to this being a change from the Bears’ season plan. Originally, they were going to have Dalton start as long as he remained healthy and capable. With his unexpected injury, though, this caused the team to shift gears. After Fields’ Week 4 performance against the Lions when he threw for 209 yards, Nagy said the team knew it was time to transition to Fields being the starter.

“This is Justin’s time, we’re confident with that moving forward,” Nagy said.

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Fields will make his third consecutive start on Sunday against the Raiders. Fields is 1-1 after his other two starts. He will remain the starter regardless of Dalton’s health. Nick Foles stays QB3 as well.